MOUNT VERNON — The recent hot weather and sparse rainfall have had varying effects on the waterways in Knox County.
The water level of Kokosing Reservoir lake, off Waterford Road, is up just a little bit — about two inches — said Karen Norris, wildlife communications specialist with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. On the other hand, she said, Knox Lake is down just a little bit — about two inches — from what is usual in the summer. Norris said that means there are no concerns, waterwise, about fish or other wildlife in those areas at this time.
Water levels in the Kokosing River also vary according to location, but are generally lower than normal in all areas, which impacts area canoe and kayak enthusiasts.
Knox County Park District director Kim Marshall said the river flow usually runs between 100 and 300 cubic feet per second. She said 100 cfs is the lower benchmark for the kind of flow one needs for canoeing on the river.
“In a kayak,” she said, “you can go lower than that, like to 80 cfs. That just means you may have to jump out and drag your kayak in some spots.”
The river gauge indicated 50 cfs when Marshall was talking with the News on Tuesday, about half of what Marshall would like it to be.
With regard to river recreation, Marshall said there’s another consideration — the Kokosing is a moderately-sized watershed and the river gauge is located just north of Mount Vernon.
